What specific dietary specialization allows some Yellow-rumped Warbler populations to remain on the North American continent year-round?

Answer

Ability to digest the waxy coating on berries

Most migratory warblers are compelled to travel south because their primary insect food sources disappear during harsh winters. However, certain populations of the Yellow-rumped Warbler display a unique survival advantage, allowing them to overwinter in North America, particularly in eastern regions. This resilience is due to a specific physiological adaptation: their digestive system is capable of processing the waxy coating present on certain hardy winter berries, such as those produced by bayberry, juniper, and poison ivy. This dietary flexibility provides the necessary caloric intake when insects are unavailable, negating the need for long-distance migration for those specific groups.

What specific dietary specialization allows some Yellow-rumped Warbler populations to remain on the North American continent year-round?

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